How To Get A Job As A Fresher

One of the questions that most college pass-outs probably ask is ‘how to get a job’. In this blog, we have deep-dived into the steps required to get a job as a fresher in India.

Just be determined to put yourself out there, make all the requisite calls, apply for appropriate jobs in every listing that you come across – till you find the right fit!

So, let us get you started with the job hunt!

1. Tweak resume and cover letter

Do not send out a generic version of resume to every recruiter. Tweak your resume as per the job description so that it contains just what the recruiter is looking for. Similarly, make changes in your cover letter to keep it in line with the requirements of the job. Do not forget to review and proof-read.

Bottomline: A resume is your primary introduction to the recruiter. Make sure it presents you in the best possible manner and is in accordance with the job in question. Additionally, a well-written and customized cover letter will boost the value of your resume.

2. Utilize job boards

Stop wandering blindly on Google to search for a job. Open a popular online job board and build your profile on it. The key lies in using targeted search rather than random ones so that you can review and apply for the right listing.

Most online job boards, including Naukri.com, provide lists of jobs by category. Most of their listings are quite detailed, which should make it clear whether you would be a good fit for the company or not.

On such job boards, you can also use ‘advanced search’ option to filter jobs by key skills, location, job type, experience, etc.

Bottomline: Using targeted searches would help you get the right job quickly as compared to trying your luck at random searches and hoping for the best.

3. Social and professional networking

Networking is an essential skill to get a job. Online platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are popular among job seekers and employers for networking. Essentially, these platforms provide you with the means to market and brand yourself.

The key to making your profile stand out is by giving it a professional makeover. So, spend some time to list all the pertinent information, including your educational background, current status, location, etc.

Start building connections on these platforms with employees working in the industry of your choice. Follow them and engage with their posts and activities. You can also start writing and sharing interesting posts related to the industry of your preference. This would help generate interest and feedback that may help a prospective employer reach out to you.

If you are interested in attending professional networking events, refer to websites like Meetup.

Bottomline: With everything going digital these days, it is vital to have an online presence. Leverage social and professional networking platforms to reach out to potential recruiters and build a network.

4. Job fair and career events

Job fairs are often a great place to start putting yourself out and meeting the right people. Attending a job fair would give you a hang of the job market and get you face to face with a potential employer.

However, in a job fair recruiters meet hundreds of potential applicants each day. So, make sure to carry a card with you that lists your contact information, including links to your social and professional profile.

Do not hesitate to follow up with the recruiters you meet at the fair. Send an email letting them know that you are interested in joining their company and remind them of the meeting at the fair.

Bottomline: Many big organizations such as TCS, Infosys, etc. use job fairs to source potential employees. So, it makes sense to attend one.

5. Company career page

If you are interested in a particular company, apply directly on the website of the company. Almost all the companies have a 'career page' or 'job' section for current openings. Open the company website and look for these sections, usually located at the bottom of the company webpage. On clicking the 'career' page, you will be redirected to a page to fill an application and submit your resume. In some cases, you will be given an email address to contact the HR team.

Bottomline: Directly applying on the company website will show your interest in a particular company. You never know, they might just invite you for an interview right away!

6. Job referral

Job referrals are one of the strongest ways to get a job. A job referral is where a person recommends you for an open position in a company. Many companies have Employee Referral Program, where an employee who refers a candidate for a job role in his company receives some sort of incentives. So, it is certainly a win-win situation.

Start off by preparing a list of all your known contacts. Find out if they or their friends are working in your preferred industry. Call up or meet these contacts one by one to understand if any of them can help you with a referral.

Bottomline: You should be able to at least get an interview call by earning a referral from the right contact. And who knows, it might get you the job of your dream!

7. Reference and recommendation letters

Reference and recommendation letters give employers an insight into the background and capabilities of a candidate.

A reference letter is general in nature, not addressed to a particular recipient. It is an overall assessment of candidate's character. If you have no past work experience, getting a reference letter from a teacher or a lecturer is a good idea.

However, if you do hold some past experience, such as an internship, reach out to your mentor and request a recommendation letter for a particular position, mentioning your abilities and skills to work in that role.

Bottomline: References and recommendations add to your profile's credibility. So, make sure you list out them when applying for a job.

8. Walk-in interviews

Many companies conduct walk-in interviews on a given date and time slot. Walk-in interviews are great when it comes to initial introduction and screening of candidates. In a walk-in interview, there is no prior appointment. Just visit the organization's office and meet the recruiter on the mentioned date and time slot.

Bottomline: Walk-in interviews are great for freshers as they allow them to get comfortable with the interview process.

9. Shoot emails

Find out the email details of recruiters through networking websites or company websites, and reach out to them describing your interest in the company and role.

You can also write to a recruiter who viewed your profile on a job board or professional networking site.

Draft an email, mentioning your interest in the company and your motivation for the role, and attach your resume. Mention the subject of the email carefully such as 'Resume for the job application of XYZ', 'Job Application for XYZ', etc. so that the recruiter can easily identify it.

Bottomline: Emails are one of the best and convenient ways to reach recruiters. Wait for a few days before following up with them again.

10. Training platforms

There are many training platforms such as Simplilearn that offer industry-recognized certification courses to fast track your career. Similarly, Digital Vidya offers popular training programs specifically in Digital and Analytics domain. It also offers placement services to companies and helps them connect with participants at Digital Vidya.

Other platforms like Myamcat let you assess how employable you are and present you with jobs accordingly. It offers courses and skill assessment tools, and keep you updated on hiring events to help you find a suitable job.

Bottomline: Good training platforms offer various recognized programs and are well-connected with companies. They can be very helpful in increasing the chances of your employability .

11. Approach directly

If you are inclined to work for a particular company, you can also directly visit their office. Even though most of the companies deal with applications online, you never know, the recruiter might be impressed with your motivation and might have an interview with you on the spot.

Bottomline: Directly approach a company to get an idea of the work environment. You might be lucky to secure an on-the-spot interview!